ANNUALS. 629 



fragrance. If sown at intervals, during the spring and early 

 summer, it will bloom till killed by frosts. It grows to a height 

 of one foot, and is a perennial, if protected. 



Fuchsia. A half-hardy perennial, easily cultivated in warm 

 climates. There are many varieties, and some are exceedingly 

 beautiful. It is easily grown from seed and cuttings, and many 

 improved varieties are obtained from seed. Sow in March, in 

 shallow pots ; transplant to four-inch pots, where they will con- 

 tinue to grow till they bloom. As soon as they blossom, select 

 such as have good points, and change into larger pots. When 

 frosts appear, protect the plants. 



Oleander. In moist, warm climates, the oleander needs no 

 protection, and arives to the dignity of a good-sized tree. It is 

 a native of India, is of easy culture, and blossoms freely. The 

 flowers are a beautiful shade of pinkish red. They can be raised 

 in the house, if the temperature is moist and warm. Sow seed 

 in February or March, in light, rich soil, which must be kept 

 moist. When young plants are three or four inches high, repot 

 in rrch soil. Young shoots are successfully rooted in water. 

 The temperature in which the plants are grown should not fall 

 below 35. 



Geranium. Whatever discouragements and failures the am- 

 ateur gardener may encounter in other directions, when atten- 

 tion is turned to the cultivation of the geranium success is 

 assured. It is probably better known and more admired than 

 any other plant. The brilliancy of coloring, the exquisite mark- 

 ing of the leaves in some varieties, together with the profusion 

 of blossoms, render them well adapted for bedding. They easily 

 root from cuttings, but propagation from seed is the only sure 

 way of obtaining superior varieties. Sow in March, in well- 

 drained pots. Water moderately, and as soon as the third leaf 

 appears pot singly, in two-inch crocks, exchanging for larger 

 ones as the plants increase in size. As soon as the weather will 

 permit, sink the pots in earth, removing to some sheltered place 

 on approach of frosts. They will bloom the coming spring. 



Snapdragon. This old-fashioned flower has been much 

 improved by cultivation, and makes an excellent border plant. 

 It has a curiously shaped flower, with dark, glossy leaves. It will 

 bloom the first season, but the blossom is much finer the second 



